Explore More Salaries
Browse our database for salaries in other careers or locations.
Detention Officer Salary in South Lake Tahoe, CA
How much does a Detention Officer make in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
$61,312 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$993 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$61,560.25
Entry Level
$44,473
Median
$60,567
Senior Level
$68,352
As of July, 23, 2026, the average detention officer gross salary in South Lake Tahoe, California is $61,312 or an equivalent hourly rate of $29. In addition, detention officers earn an average bonus of $993. An entry level detention officer with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $44,473. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level detention officer with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $68,352. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in South Lake Tahoe, California.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for a Detention Officer
Explore the estimated salary growth for a Detention Officer in South Lake Tahoe, CA for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Detention Officer will be $62,937 in 1 year and $69,879 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$64,605
Average Growth
5.4 %
The estimated salary for a Detention Officer in 2 years is $64,605, which is 5.4 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Detention Officer Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Detention Officers.
- 0% of Detention Officers have less than a High School Diploma
- 0% of Detention Officers have a High School Diploma
- 100% of Detention Officers have an Associate's Degree
- 0% of Detention Officers have a Bachelor's Degree
- 0% of Detention Officers have a Master's Degree
- 0% of Detention Officers have a Doctorate Degree
The typical field of study for a Detention Officer is Security and Loss Prevention Services.
See how education can impact your salaryPopular Skills for a Detention Officer
Oversees work
67%
Assigns rooms
33%
Security
33%
These are the most popular skills for Detention Officers. About 67% of Detention Officers have a skill in Oversees work. The top 3 most popular skills for Detention Officers are oversees work, assigns rooms, and security.
See how skills can impact your salaryAre you getting paid what you're worth?
Discover your true earning potential. Get a personalized salary report and negotiate pay with confidence.
Where can a Detention Officer earn more?
Discover where a Detention Officer earns the most and choose a location that maximizes your career potential.
Detention Officer Salaries in Other Locations
Salaries for Similar Job Titles in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Data not available.
Detention Officer Jobs
View moreCost of Living in South Lake Tahoe, CA
The cost of living in South Lake Tahoe, CA is 30% higher than the national average.
30% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
Explore Cost-of-Living Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Detention Officer do?
Ensures the safety and security of inmates, staff, and visitors within the municipality's detention facility. Maintains order and enforces facility rules and regulations. Watches and controls the inmate population to prevent disturbances, escape attempts, or self-harm. Checks the cells and common areas and ensures compliance with facility rules. Carries out security protocols to prevent unauthorized access, contraband, and potential security breaches within the detention facility. Monitors surveillance cameras and alarm systems. Processes new inmates into the facility, including conducting searches, completing necessary paperwork, providing orientation, performing inmate release procedures, and preparing and verifying documentation and transfer of custody paperwork. Restrains inmates and transports inmates to and from court appearances, medical appointments, and other locations. Responds to emergencies, including medical emergencies, riots, or disturbances.
How much does a Detention Officer make in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The average salary for a Detention Officer is $61,312 per year or $29.48 per hour in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Top earners have reported making up to $68,352. However, the typical pay range in South Lake Tahoe, CA is between $44,473 and $68,352 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Detention Officer?
Detention Officer is projected to see a 14.0 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Detention Officer salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
For Employers
See How Employers Price Detention Officer
Explore how ERI's compensation data and analytics can help you benchmark salaries with ease and build competitive offers to maximize every pay decision.
Get Started